The Ropewalks area of the city has been given its name from the craft of rope-making for the sailor ships that dominated the area in the 19th century.
Since then it has become a cultural hub for independent shops, restaurants, bars, nightlife and galleries.
If you’re thinking of heading to this part of the city we have picked out some of the best bits see and do to make sure you don't miss a thing.
BOLD STREET
Right in the heart of the Ropewalks district is Bold Street, one of Liverpool’s most bustling streets. You’ll find all sorts down here; independent shops, restaurants, coffee shops, street art and everything in between. Spend an afternoon walking down the cobbled street and you’ll leave with a full belly, refreshed and with a few purchases to take home.
FACT
Just a few steps off Bold Street you’ll find FACT, the UK’s leading gallery showcasing everything in film, video and new media. Exhibitions at FACT are developed by a range of international artists often with very thought provoking themes. You never know what you’ll stumble into here. Past exhibitions have included Shia LaBeouf answering people’s phone calls, 3D printers making prosthetic hands and a room full of sand and video games.
FACT is also home to a cinema showing all the latest blockbusters and independent films, a bar and The Garden cafe making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
THE BLUECOAT
Sitting on the very edge of the Ropewalks district is Bluecoat, a Grade I 300 year old listed building with a year long programme of visual art, literature, music, dance and live art. Alongside all the culture they also have a cafe, restaurant and a series of independent shops to have a look around and a courtyard to soak up the sun.
THE BOMBED OUT CHURCH
St Luke’s Church, or ‘The Bombed Out Church’ as it’s known by the locals, sits proudly at the top of Bold Street. It’s been given its nickname because it no longer has a roof due to the events of World War Two. The church now hosts loads of different events from markets to gigs and even weddings.
BARS
Ropewalks is one of the best parts of the city to head for a drink. Whether it’s chilling in a beer garden in the afternoon or going for a big night out on the tiles, there is a bar for every occasion.
Head down Seel street for bars like Heebie Jeebies, Kazimier Gardens and Pogue Mahones for a chill drink or step into concert square for an al fresco refreshment in the day turning into a dance in one of the clubs in the evening.
Take a wander around or check out this blog on some of our favourite bars in the city.
GIG VENUES
Liverpool’s music scene is bursting at the seams with live music and events and the RopeWalks district is home to some of the best music venues in the city. Check out the likes of the Jacaranda and The Jacaranda: Phase One for some top local talent, head to the Arts Club for some touring bands, Sound Basement for super intimate gigs and Zanzibar for a bit of music history. The music literally doesn't stop!
Have a look at our guide to music venues around Liverpool and see if any of your favourite bands are heading to the city.
RESTAURANTS
If you’re feeling a bit peckish on your walk around the Ropewalks district then you won’t have trouble finding somewhere to eat. Some of our top picks for where to stop off would be Mowgli on Bold Street for incredible Indian street food, Almost Famous on Parr Street for a juicy burger, Crazy Pedros on Parr Street for pizza that lives up to its name or Down the Hatch on Duke Street for the best vegan junk food around.
Take a wander around the area to see what takes your fancy or have a look at our Guide to Food in Liverpool to see what's in the area.
DUKE STREET MARKET
Liverpool’s newest street food market, Duke Street Market is taking the city by storm, and with good reason. The warehouse turned food emporium is home to six food stalls and a sixty seat restaurant, alongside a florist and an area for the kids to hang out in. Make sure you stop off to check out Finca and Pilgrim who have both appeared on BBC2’s food show, My Million Pound Menu.
COFFEE SHOPS
Grabbing a coffee has never been easier around here. Ropewalks has some of the best coffee shops in the city! Head over to Bold Street Coffee, Mother Espresso, Leaf, Root or the Brunch Club for that morning pick me up or afternoon pit stop to rest your legs.
CHINATOWN
Find Liverpool’s Chinatown on Nelson Street at the top of Duke Street and explore one of Europe’s oldest and largest Chinese communities. It’s hard to miss as you are greeted by the traditional Chinese arch that was imported from Shanghai and celebrates the twinning of the two cities.
LIVERPOOL CENTRAL STATION
The great thing about the Ropewalks area of the city is that it’s so easy to get to and from. Right in the middle you will find Merseyrail’s Central Station, a great hub for getting around Liverpool.
HOTELS
If you fancy staying in the RopeWalks area for your trip to the city then there are some great hotels to rest your head in. Check out the Nadler on Seel Street for a smart luxury hotel, Lock & Key on Duke Street for a boutique stay in a Georgian Townhouse or the various Epic aparthotels dotted around the neighbourhood.
The Ropewalks district of the city is definitely a place you should check out on your visit to Liverpool - there is so much to do! Let us know what you are getting up to on our Twitter @VisitLiverpool.
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